Bucks County Welcomes Kin Wellness and Support Center

Written by: Kin volunteer, Brian Kelly of Jamison

Title: ‘Bucks County Welcomes Kin Wellness and Support Center ‘

The cancer community in Bucks County have spoken through their actions, in less than three months’ time, nearly one hundred and fifty Bucks County cancer patients and caregivers have registered with the Kin Wellness and Support Center in Furlong to receive free integrative services, fitness and support.

Kin was inspired by Corinne Transue Sikora – a local resident and Central Bucks School District administrator of 23 years, who passed away in November of 2020 and wished for one place where cancer patients could come together for caring comfort and support from volunteers and each other. Keith and Kristina Fenimore have made Corinne’s dream come true, with help from so many amazing members of our Bucks County Community.

With services including acupuncture, oncology chiropractic care and massage, reiki meditation, yoga, Pilates, counseling, nutrition and cooking classes, peer support groups, and patient advocacy, there is something for everyone at Kin.

Hi. My name is Brian Kelly and I volunteer as a patient advocate at Kin. As a volunteer, I have gotten to witness how impactful Kin is at supporting the physical, social and emotional aspects of dealing with cancer. I had the distinct pleasure to interview guests, other practitioners, instructors and volunteers at Kin, and am happy to introduce you to this unique and welcoming center that is serving Bucks County in amazingly impactful ways.

If you visit Kin, you are likely to be greeted by Beth Cady, a volunteer at KIN who was also treated for cancer in 2021 during the pandemic which was very isolating. She found KIN to provide an instant connection and circle of support for those who walk through the door. Beth is now on the advisory committee for event planning and fundraising, and she shared, “I feel like I have found my purpose through Kin. Helping others in this beautifully nurturing environment is very cathartic and gratifying. “

Robyn Chirichella is a teacher and a Kin guest who heard about Kin at the Pine2Pink luminaries night in Doylestown just days after her cancer surgery. “When you go through cancer treatment, you’re in a million pieces – like Humpty Dumpty, and Kin helped put me back together again.”

Audrey Ervin has a Ph.D. in Psychology. She is a guest and soon to be volunteer. She notes that the cancer diagnosis is a family diagnosis that impacts all of those around the patient and creates a great deal of anxiety and stress along with the physical pain. “Kin was like magic to me. I encountered so many loving, caring people that I now consider my Kin friends”.

Sue Claricurzio is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Health Coach and EFT tapping practitioner who volunteers her services at the Kin center. Sue knew Corinne Sikora since childhood. “Corinne was always a very kind person, so her beautiful vision of this center does not surprise me. Helping at KIN was a way I felt I could honor Corinne. I also believe that time is our greatest gift along with sharing our talents with others; these are two other reasons why I volunteer at KIN. But selfishly, what I get back from the gratitude and positive energy at KIN is more than I could ever ask for.”

Corinne’s mom – Jean Transue, shared that Corinne was best known for her ability to bring people together in life. “She would be thrilled beyond her wildest dreams by what is happening at Kin. Corinne’s favorite quote was ‘Many small people, in small places, doing small things can change the world’.” (Eduardo Galeano) Jean has called more than 80 caregivers and visited numerous businesses to help grow Kin.

As for me, I’ll continue to donate my services to Kin’s guests and their caregivers hoping to provide some relief. Every one of us has the ability to support others, whether they are going through cancer or not. It’s fulfilling to give back to such an amazing community and there is no shortage of those in need across Bucks County.

Kin is located at 2325 Heritage Center Dr., Suite 113, Furlong, PA 18925. To learn more about Kin or donate money or volunteer, go to: www.welcometokin.org/ or call 267-544-5981.